UK tells EU it will send in the Royal Navy to protect fishing waters from European vessels after Brexit

Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, George Eustice, MP, told the EU Energy and Environment Sub-Committee on Wednesday that the government had “significantly increased our enforcement capability”.

Mr. Eustice told the sub-committee that the Royal Navy had added three new patrol vessels to the fleet; the Home Office will provide an additional four vessels and the government will also have the option of adding additional vessels from the private sector.

Mr. Eustice also revealed how the government has trained 50 new fisheries protection officers to aid with enforcement after the transition period ends on December 31, 2020.

The government also confirmed it will deploy an aerial surveillance system to assist with the enforcement of its regulations.

There will also be a new maritime control centre which will be operated by both the UK border force and the coastguard.

Trade talks between the EU and the UK started on Monday and both sides will be focused on reaching an agreement on fishing.

However, should the government decide to grant access to its waters to EU or other vessels they will require a specific licence which will be issued by UK authorities.